CNN and CBS News in Talks for Partnership

CBS has been struggling to find an audience for its nightly newscast, a show that has been in last place for 12 years, so it might not come as a surprise that network executives have been fishing around for new ideas.

Now comes word that CBS could be joining forces with CNN, according to the New York Times. CBS leaders aren’t commenting on any possible deals, but the Times spoke with other anonymous sources that claim talks about sharing news gathering resources with CNN have recently picked up.

CNN/U.S. president Jonathan Klein told advertisers last month that his network will “continue to evolve our news-gathering and programming approaches,” which if such approaches include joint work with CBS, could potentially strengthen both of the channels’ news power.

‘CBS Evening News with Katie Couric‘ has struggled for viewers since the former ‘Today Show‘ host took over its anchor chair, while CNN was the weakest news performer in prime time last month among the highly coveted 25-54 demographic.

The idea of a complete merger isn’t likely, according to executives, however some in the industry see potential in giving Couric a chance to expand her coverage of breaking news stories by using CNN’s airwaves — a possible lifeline for the female news anchor as her contract is up next year.

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